Child support is an essential financial support system for the well-being of a child or children. It is an amount that one parent pays the other parent for the expenses related to the child's upbringing. If you are a parent undergoing a divorce or separation, you will most likely encounter child support payments. Understanding how child support payments are calculated is essential for both the parents and the child. Here are the basics of child support calculations you need to know.
1. Income:
The primary factor in calculating child support is income. The income of both parents gets evaluated to determine the financial contribution to the child's needs. The court takes different sources of income into account, including salaries, wages, commissions, bonuses, gifts, and inheritances. The parents' income gets compared to the state's child support guidelines to establish a basic child support allowance for the child.
2. Custody Arrangement:
The next most significant factor in the child support calculation is the possession arrangement between the parents. In most situations, the child support payment is made by the non-custodial parent, while the custodial parent incurs the child's living expenses. However, if parents have joint custody, the child support gets calculated based on each parent's income, the amount of time spent with each parent, and the child's needs.
3. Child Care Expenses:
Child support calculations also consider the expenses related to child care incurred by parents. These expenses include the cost of daycare, healthcare, and education expenses compared to the state average costs.
4. Additional Costs:
Another significant factor that affects child support payments is the additional expenses required for the child's upbringing. For instance, if the child has any unique needs or requires special medical treatment, the courts may include that in the child support payment to be made by the other parent.
5. Modifications:
Child support amounts are not set in stone; they can be modified based on the parents' changing circumstances. Losing a job or receiving a promotion or inheritance can affect child support amounts. In such cases, either party may seek a modification of the child support order.
Salt Lake City Child Support Attorneys
At Lokken & Putnam, P.C., our experienced attorneys specialize in family law matters, including child support calculations. If you require professional assistance or have further questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at (801) 829-9783. We are here to guide you through the process and ensure the best possible outcome for you and your children.
